Breast augmentation can be done after breast feeding. Although the answer is generally yes, there are some things to consider. Breast augmentation is safe for most women. But, it's best to consult your surgeon or lactation consultant. Breast milk has a lot of nutrients that babies need. While some mothers may need to supplement their breastmilk with formula, it is not necessary. Some women may feel anxious following breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation using fat transfer
Your ability to breastfeed will not be affected by the location of your incisions after breast augmentation. In general, these incisions are about three millimeters in length and are placed in the inframammary fold, just beneath the nipple. They aren't close to the nipple so they don’t affect the nipple feeling or letdown reflex.
Fat that has been harvested during a previous procedure may act as a permanent graft or 'filler.' The fat cells in a fat transfer procedure are permanently attached to the breast, but most of them will eventually be absorbed by the body. If not distributed correctly, this could lead to inconsistent results. Fat harvested during the procedure is also collected under low pressure to avoid excessively damaging the fat cells.
Breast implants
The lack of studies on the relationship between breast implants and the ability to breastfeed may be a contributing factor to this concern. Western culture regards the breasts as a sexual organ. Therefore, advertising frequently implies that breast milk is equal to formula. Further research is needed to determine the causes and psychosocial influences of reduced breast-feeding ability. However, the research results point to a balanced approach between health risks as well as benefits.
The majority of breast augmentation procedures involve the same incision, although some surgeons use other incisions. An example of this is breast augmentation using fat transfer. The incision is approximately three millimeters in length. The incision is made usually in the inframammary region. Because it's not necessary to place the incision next to the nipple, it does not disrupt the letdown reflex and sensation.
Incisions around your areola
After a breast lift, incisions around the area of the areola are often called periareolar. They are located on the outer edge the areola. Because they are so close, these incisions make it ideal for breast augmentation with implants. They also stop the surgeon from cutting into the nerves that run through your areola. This can prove problematic if breastfeeding. Plastic surgeons can also make this type of incision if they know how to properly plan it.
Often, incisions around the areola can be hidden from plain view. The transition to lighter skin from darker skin is gradual. For a few months, the incision will be easily visible, but it will eventually fade away. Patients won't feel any loss in sensation or pain following the procedure. The recovery process of a breast lift is the same as that of augmentation.
Attempting to breastfeed after breast augmentation
There are some questions about breastfeeding after breast augmentation. Although it is not rare, breastfeeding success may be decreased or increased in women who have had breast augmentation. Cruz and Korchin looked at both breastfeeding attempts and failed ones in one study. The rates of breast augmentation and non-breast augmentation were almost identical at two weeks. Researchers noted that there were no differences in the types and locations of the incisions used. However, all three studies reported a lower probability of exclusive breastfeeding in women who had breast augmentation.
You will be able to breastfeed after breast implant surgery if you choose the right time. Generally, basic recovery is completed within a few weeks, but it may take longer for small nerves and blood vessels to connect. Breastfeeding should not be attempted until your body has fully healed from surgery. Breast augmentation should be completed at least two years before women attempt to conceive. This will allow you to rest and prevent problems with your milk supply.